Google expected to announce Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL on Oct. 9

Google on Thursday announced sent out invitations to a special press event scheduled for Oct. 9, where the company is widely expected to launch new "Made by Google" hardware including Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones.

Though the spartan invite — an animated GIF image — . offers no clues as to what Google intends to announce, a gush of Pixel

3 and Pixel 3 XL leaks leading up to the October event leave little doubt as to what will be revealed.

The third-generation Pixel lineup is Google's latest attempt at the high-end smartphone market. Leaked hardware suggests this year's models will benefit from minor design tweaks, the most obvious being a front-facing camera notch reminiscent of the screen cutout Apple applied to iPhone X in order to accommodate its TrueDepth camera system.

After initially ridiculing the design decision, made in part as a concession building in an edge-to-edge display, Android smartphone makers began to include camera notches in their own products.

Other major design changes to the Pixel line include a glass back, so included to facilitate wireless charging. Apple integrated glass backings on its iPhone X and iPhone 8 series devices last year to do the same. Unlike iPhone, however, the upcoming Pixel devices feature a rear-mounted fingerprint reader for biometric security, technology Apple is due to abandon in favor of Face ID.

While unconfirmed, Google might also roll out a few surprises at its media event. Last year, the company introduced a slew of products, including Pixelbook and Google Home speakers, alongside its flagship Pixel 2 phones.

Google's October event is slated to take place in New York City at 8 a.m. Pacific, 11 a.m. Eastern. A livestream of the proceedings will be hosted by the company.